Blackburn students working on their assignments as one of them looks straight into the camera.

The Macoupin Promise

Four-Year Degree, Tuition-Free

Not sure if you can afford to go away to college? Worried about the amount of debt you might have when you graduate? You can earn your degree at Blackburn College tuition-free — that’s the Macoupin Promise.

Am I Eligible?

If you’re a Macoupin County graduate, Blackburn will cover tuition for all qualified students. It’s built into the mission and values of Blackburn, and represents our commitment to lifting up families and communities by ensuring a life-changing college education is within reach.

Qualifying is easy! You need to:

  • Graduate from a high school in Macoupin County (IL)
  • Meet Blackburn College admission requirements
  • Submit your FAFSA (Blackburn’s School Code: 001639)
  • Have a household income of less than $60,000
  • Be a part of Blackburn’s one-of-a-kind student-led Work Program

That’s it — a four-year degree tuition-free! Already start at another college but want to move closer to home? The Macoupin Promise applies to transfers, too!

How Do I Apply?

The application is always free (no waiver needed). DON’T DELAY — debt-free college is possible. Start your journey with Blackburn College and apply while funding is still available.

Apply Now

Macoupin Promise FAQ

Macoupin Promise

The Macoupin Promise is a financial aid program designed to help students from Macoupin County (IL) build the path to future success through access to a transformational college education. In an effort to remove one of the biggest barriers to higher education – COST – Blackburn College has committed to offering Free Tuition to students that qualify for the program.

Macoupin Promise

Students must meet five requirements:

  1. Will graduate (or previously graduated) from a high school in Macoupin County (IL)
  2. Meet Blackburn admission requirements
  3. Complete the FAFSA form. Student award eligibility for Blackburn’s Macoupin Promise will be dependent on the State of Illinois’ continuation of its funding of the Illinois Monetary Awards Program (MAP). Any FAFSA submitted after December 1 would only be eligible to receive the Macoupin Promise on a first-come, first-serve basis and until the awarding of MAP is halted.  If you think you may qualify for Blackburn’s Macoupin Promise, you are encouraged to complete your FAFSA immediately by visiting the FAFSA website. Blackburn's school code is 001639.
  4. Have a household income of less than $60,000 via the FAFSA form
  5. Participate in the Blackburn's nationally recognized Work Program
Macoupin Promise

This program is open to all new students whether they are transfer or freshman students as long as they graduate from a high school in Macoupin County.

Macoupin Promise

The income qualification is based on the information provided on the FAFSA form. To find out if you are eligible students need to submit their FAFSA to Blackburn College (ID number 001639).

Macoupin Promise

All students are eligible as long as they haven’t previously obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Blackburn College or another college and university.

Macoupin Promise

Yes, pending residency in Macoupin County, the GED test was provided by the Regional Office of Education in Carlinville, Illinois and have a passing score on all sections.

Macoupin Promise

Freshman Students: 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale

Transfer Students: 2.0 GPA based on 24 hours of transferable credit.

In 2021, Blackburn went test-optional. Test scores can be submitted but are no longer required for admission.

Macoupin Promise

While Blackburn College recognizes the importance of a fully integrated college experience there is no a requirement for students to live on campus.

Experience Blackburn for Yourself

The application is always free (no waiver needed). DON’T DELAY — debt-free college is possible. Start your journey with Blackburn College and apply while funding is still available.